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2010 Grab Bag: Hoffman To Announce Next Week, Kirkpatrick Out

Outgoing Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman told supporters that he plans to officially launch his campaign next week (via Lynn Sweet):

Obviously, we will not have the support of the political ...

The latest from the 2010 political landscape ...

IL SENATE

Outgoing Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman told supporters that he plans to officially launch his campaign next week (via Lynn Sweet):

Obviously, we will not have the support of the political insiders
and special interests who have dominated politics in Illinois, so your
interest in this campaign will help make the difference. I will be sure
to keep you informed as our campaign develops, and I hope you will
contact me with your thoughts and ideas.

Meanwhile, I will be making my formal announcement during the week after Labor Day, followed by a tour around the state.

U. S. Senate candidate Cheryle Robinson Jackson today received key endorsements from U. S. Representative Bobby Rush, State Senator Rev. James Meeks and the Cook County Democratic Women Organization for her bid to fill the Illinois seat once held by President Barack Obama. These early endorsements signal strong support from the community.

“Cheryle is exactly who Illinois needs in the U.S. Senate,” said Rush. “Like many of us, she worked her way up to become a force for change and progress for everyday people. She understands from personal experience how important quality health care, education, and access to good jobs and opportunities are to Illinois families. She’ll take that fight to Washington.”

On the Republican side, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights will today unveil what they describe as "hard-hitting Spanish language radio, print and
online ads mocking Congressman Mark Kirk’s statement on the floor of
Congress that sending birth control to Mexico is a solution for illegal
immigration." Check back for more details later today.

Two weeks ago, we interviewed state treasurer candidate Kip Kirkpatrick at the state fair. Now comes news that he is dropping out of the race:

Political newcomer Kip Kirkpatrick, the co-founder of a private
health-care equity firm, is expected to pull the plug on his bid for
the Democratic nomination for state treasurer, sources familiar with
the campaign said today.

That leaves former State Rep. Robin Kelly alone on the Democratic ballot at the moment.

COOK COUNTY BOARD

As we noted in the Early Bird, State Rep. John Fritchey yesterday announced his candidacy for Forrest Claypool's soon-to-be-vacant seat on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Here's a brief NBC video that includes remarks from Fritchey, Congressman Mike Quigley, and Claypool himself:

IL-8

The Republicans already have a couple announced candidates challenging Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean in the 8th Congressional District, but the Daily Heraldreports that the national party has been talking to Long Grove Village President Maria Rodriguez about possibly jumping in the race. "It's an interesting proposition," she told the paper.

SECRETARY OF STATE

Jesse White disclosed yesterday that 2010 will be his last run for Illinois Secretary of State. From Lee Newspapers:

The Democratic state officer said if re-elected to a fourth term in 2010, he will retire in 2014 and pursue only volunteer work.